One of the silver linings about our current need to shelter in place for our collective safety is the opportunity to create a workspace at home. More and more people are working from home and companies all over are starting to see how cost effective and safe it can be to cut the commute to the office.
As a result, more people than ever are pursuing the idea of extending their living environment into their home patio and backyard in order to have the space and freedom to work in a peaceful and open-air environment.
An outdoor office helps home-based workers separate their work space from their living space. Research studies show that spending time outdoors helps us think more clearly and be more productive. Employees with views of nature also report they like their jobs more.
Now is the perfect time to consider upgrading your patio into an outdoor office. Let’s look at the things you should consider as you establish your outdoor work space.
Protection from the Elements
The outdoor elements need to be carefully considered in order to establish a productive workflow that won’t be continuously interrupted by mother nature. You’ll want to put in a work surface that is both comfortable and resistant to the outdoor elements.
An outdoor granite countertop or table is a perfect solution for an outdoor work surface. If you’re more inclined to a traditional set up, consider an outdoor patio table, preferably one that is designed for comfort if you plan to work or hang out for long periods of time.
Shade is the most critical element when it comes to being able to work productively outside. You have to be able to easily see your computer monitor and glare on your screen can make it impossible to work and can actually hurt your vision. Be sure to situate yourself and your equipment to take full advantage of shady protection from the sun.
You can also conserve energy and lower your carbon footprint by working outdoors with the help of awnings, umbrellas and blinds.
Patio Awning for Your Backyard
Your patio awning provides the majority of your shade during the day. If you plan to be outdoors in the evening, you might be better served with an awning that is retractable for when the sun goes down. There are models that are manually retractable and some that are controlled with electronics. Consider your lifestyle when choosing between the two options.
You want to choose an awning that compliments your current design style and can span up to 20 feet. We also recommend looking for one with a 16-foot drop and that employs a magnet at the base of the cable guidance system to allow your fabric to hang flatter. This will keep your awning more stable on a windy day.
Patio Umbrellas
Patio umbrellas can be used for cover from shade all year round, but they are critical when it comes to being able to work outside.
Of course, you want your umbrella to look elegant and match your current patio design style, but also consider that you need a quality, outdoor fabric (such as Sunbrella) that will last a long time and stand up to the sun’s powerful rays. It won’t do you any good to get a fancy umbrella if it doesn’t effectively cover you and your work space.
Look for an umbrella with the ability to tilt so you can get a good angle of shade any time of the day. Don’t forget to get an umbrella stand that can support the weight of the umbrella.
Patio Blinds
When it comes to patio blinds, looks are important, but functionality is key. Look for blinds that fit your design style, but also ones which feature an HD magnetic lock system that uses magnets to hold the fabric in place. This will reduce movement in windy conditions and keep your blinds from flapping all over the place.
Another extremely important detail to remember when picking out patio blinds is the fabric retention track shade. A fabric retention track shade holds fabric on the inside of the track and will create a seal, keeping out insects, critters, dirt and weather.
Outdoor Fire Pits
Here’s your chance to live the dream of having an outdoor firepit. You may not have it going all day, but what a wonderful and relaxing element to have as the sun starts to set and you are still working.
You can choose from a vast array of fire pits made from marble, slate, concrete and cast aluminum. Fire pits come in all different shapes and styles.
Outdoor fire pits are available with natural gas, propane and ethanol to complement any patio furniture setting. They are an amazing conversation piece and a place where your family can join you at the end of a long work day.
Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are all the rage right now. Why not incorporate one into your outdoor office so you can cook lunch and do your video conferences at the same time. Add an outdoor bar and happy hour can start early every day!
There are some practical and affordable all-in-one outdoor kitchen units that can create a luxury outdoor space without the need for a large construction project. They come in designer colors, stainless steel, and realistic wood grains. With a BBQ and bar in your outdoor office, you will have everything you need to create a premier outdoor dining and work space.
Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor lighting is available in many contemporary and modern designs. Look for options that are durable and water-resistant to hold up in all climates. Lighting needs to be reliable so interruptions don’t break up your workflow. If you are working around dusk time, you will need extra lighting for your outdoor office. Ceramic outdoor lights are a great choice for this as they are practical and add a “wow” factor to your outdoor office.
Noise or No Noise?
Do you work better with music and ambient noise or are you better with silence?
For those who prefer relaxing noise in the background, the easiest way to create a relaxing environment outside is to buy a high-quality portable loudspeaker system with a weatherproof design.
For those who need a quiet work space, there is no better place to be than outside. Just make sure you can close the patio door and white out the noise from inside the house. If you have noisy neighbors, you may need to consider some noise cancelling headphones.
More Practical Elements
WIFI is essential for today’s digital work environment. You need to make sure you have a strong signal to the area you will be working in. Range extenders can be useful if your patio is far away from the router.
Plan for your need to access electrical outlets. Avoid grass areas where landscaping features require regular irrigation. You may need to invest in some extension cords and surge protectors.
Will you use existing outdoor furniture or possibly create an area where you can have a standing desk? Why not plan for both so you can move around every few hours and give your body a chance to stand and sit?
You will need storage for files that can be portable or you could invest in a cabinet that can be outdoors but covered from the elements. Don’t forget to create a system for yourself where you plan to put away your work at the end of the day.
How much equipment besides your computer and phone will you need? Maybe your outdoor office needs a printer/scanner. Can you find a safe space to have this outside, or maybe you can keep this equipment just inside the home close enough to access remotely? This design gives you a chance to stand up and move a few times a day which is great for your body.
Don’t forget to get a small waste basket so you don’t have to keep going inside or create a mess outside.
Create a Space to be Productive and Relaxed
Being close to nature is rejuvenating. It makes us happier and healthier and is definitely one of the highlights of having an outdoor home office. If you already have a beautiful landscape in your backyard, you may not have to add anything.
If nature isn’t nearby, there are always ways to add plants, trees and other decor to bring nature to your outdoor space. You can either create a permanent workspace in your backyard, or an outdoor getaway from the office when quarantine life gets too hectic.
Being able to relax, focus and be productive while connecting with nature is a truly life-changing experience. Once you build your outdoor office, it might be hard to ever go back and work in an indoor office again! However, you choose to design your backyard office environment, your work and health are sure to benefit.